What Is Chile's Biggest Pool and Where Is It Located
Chile's biggest pool is the San Alfonso del Mar resort pool in Algarrobo, which holds the record as the largest swimming pool in the world by area. It spans approximately 8 hectares, or about 20 acres, and holds roughly 250 million liters of seawater. The pool stretches over 1,013 meters in length and averages 80 meters in width, making it larger than many man-made lagoons. Its construction was completed in 2006, and it quickly became a landmark for tourism and engineering in the Valparaíso Region. For more context on large-scale water infrastructure, see the overview on Forbes.
The pool is situated at the San Alfonso del Mar resort, one of the most visited tourist destinations on Chile's central coast. It uses a proprietary computer-controlled suction and filtration system to draw and clean seawater from the Pacific Ocean. This system circulates the water continuously, maintaining clarity and temperature without relying entirely on chemicals. The resort complex includes hotels, restaurants, and private access points, and the pool itself is open to guests and day visitors during the summer season. Its scale has made it a frequent subject in global rankings of unusual and record-breaking attractions.
How Chile's Biggest Pool Compares to Other Large Pools
When measured by surface area, Chile's biggest pool surpasses other famous large pools such as the Orthlieb Pool in Casablanca and the Citystars Sharm El Sheikh pool in Egypt. While some pools are deeper or longer in a single dimension, the San Alfonso del Mar pool combines extreme length, width, and volume in a way that is unmatched. Its water volume is equivalent to that of several Olympic-sized swimming pools combined. This distinction has been recognized by various international media outlets and tourism authorities that track records in aquatic facilities.
Engineers and designers from the Chilean firm Crystal Lagoons Corporation were involved in the development of the lagoon system at the resort. Crystal Lagoons has since expanded its technology to other projects globally, including urban lagoons and mixed-use developments. The company's approach emphasizes using natural seawater and low-energy filtration, which differentiates it from traditional chlorinated pools. This model has been cited in business and technology reports as an example of sustainable innovation in recreational infrastructure. More details on the company's technology can be found on the Crystal Lagoons official website.
Key Facts, Figures, and Visitor Information for Chile's Biggest Pool
The pool's official dimensions include a length of 1,013 meters, a width averaging 80 meters, and a total area of approximately 8 hectares. It holds an estimated 250 million liters of water, which is equivalent to the volume of roughly 100 Olympic swimming pools. Construction costs were reported in the tens of millions of dollars, reflecting the advanced filtration and circulation systems required to maintain such a large body of seawater. The pool operates seasonally, typically from November through March, aligning with the Southern Hemisphere summer months.
Visitor access is managed through the San Alfonso del Mar resort, which offers day passes and integrated stays at its hotel properties. The pool features designated swimming areas, kayak rentals, and panoramic views of the Pacific coastline. It has become a significant driver of tourism for the Algarrobo commune, drawing both domestic and international visitors. For travelers interested in combining a visit with broader exploration of Chile's coast, resources on regional tourism are available through the Chile Tourism Board official site